MODULO – Digital EC Fan Management Without the Complexity of Modbus

MODULO is SELPRO's patented system designed to simplify Modbus communication and digital EC fan management while retaining the existing controller.

Developed for OEM manufacturers, system integrators and installers, MODULO makes the digital capabilities of EC fans available even in installations using an analogue 0–10 V control signal.

The system consists of two devices: MHub, which receives commands from the controller and collects fan data, and MFan, which manages individual Modbus connections to each EC motor.

Each fan has its own dedicated Modbus connection. This architecture removes the need for manual fan addressing and allows faults to be identified and isolated on the affected connection, without reconfiguring the rest of the network.

MODULO integrates Modbus protocols from several fan manufacturers, including ebm-papst, Ziehl-Abegg, Hidria, Nicotra and Dunli. The controller communicates through a single SELPRO interface and accesses operating and diagnostic data via a normalised register map.

The system collects information such as fan speed, power, temperature, operating hours, status and alarms. MHub aggregates this data into a single memory area, reducing polling requirements for the supervisory system while keeping fan data acquisition separate from BMS response timing.

Built-in capabilities include low-capacity operation, night-time speed limitation, reverse rotation, individual RPM control and configurable emergency responses to communication faults.

MODULO is suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects. Existing analogue control can be retained, while digital communication provides individual fan diagnostics and access to advanced EC motor functions.

Device configuration and verification are supported by SELPRO software tools, including local Wi-Fi access via the optional KLNK accessory.

The existing controller remains in charge. Fan communication becomes digital, individual and accessible from a single interface.

System Architecture and Capacity

• Modular system consisting of MHub and MFan.

• MHub: Central interface to the existing controller and supervisory system.

• MFan: Modbus interface providing individual connections to EC fans.

• Up to 6 independent RS485 Modbus outputs per MFan.

• Up to 5 MFan modules per MHub.

• Up to 30 EC fans per MHub system.

• Up to 4 independent fan banks using Modbus control; one fan bank using analogue 0–10 V control.

• Three-wire fan connections: A+, B− and REF.

Communication and Compatibility

• Modbus RTU RS485 or analogue 0–10 V command input.

• Integrated Modbus protocols for ebm-papst, Ziehl-Abegg, Hidria, Nicotra and Dunli EC fans.

• Fan detection and configuration during commissioning.

• No manual addressing of individual fans required.

• Normalised SELPRO register map across supported manufacturer protocols.

• Centralised data collection and access to individual fan information.

• BMS response timing independent of the MFan data acquisition cycle.

Operating Functions and Diagnostics

• Monitoring of fan speed, power, temperature, operating hours, status and alarms.

• Identification of individual fans reporting faults.

• Fault isolation on individual fan connections.

• Recognition and configuration of compatible replacement fans.

• Low Capacity operation for reduced cooling demand.

• Silent Mode with configurable time-based speed limitation.

• Reverse Mode for compatible defrosting and cleaning applications.

• Individual fan RPM control and speed limits.

• Motor protection functions and configurable emergency speed responses.

• Energy Meter function providing access to available power data from compatible fans.

Inputs, Outputs and Configuration

• MHub: 1 analogue 0–10 V input.

• MHub: 3 configurable On/Off digital inputs, NO/NC.

• MHub: 1 signal lamp output, 20 Vdc / 30 mA.

• MFan: 6 RS485 Modbus RTU motor outputs.

• USB-C port for configuration and updates.

• Browser-based access via the optional KLNK Wi-Fi accessory.

• MHub connection for an optional remote display.

Hardware Specifications

• Power supply: 24 Vac/dc ±10%, 50/60 Hz.

• DIN rail mounting, EN 60715.

• Self-extinguishing ABS enclosure, UL94-V0.

• IP20 protection rating, for installation inside an electrical control panel.

• Operating temperature: −20 to +70 °C.

• MHub dimensions: 71.1 × 90 × 32.2 mm.

• MFan dimensions: 53.3 × 90 × 32.2 mm.

• Patented architecture: EP 3 882 532 B1.

MODULO is designed for OEM manufacturers, system integrators and installers who need to integrate, control and monitor Modbus EC fans in HVAC&R applications.

Main applications include:

• Remote condensers: Digital integration of EC fans into existing control systems, providing access to operating data and individual fan diagnostics.

• Dry coolers: Management of EC fan groups, low-capacity operation, night-time speed limitation and individual motor monitoring.

• Chillers and heat pumps: Communication with EC fans, management of supported operating modes and reverse rotation functions for compatible applications.

• Retrofit of existing installations: Conversion of analogue 0–10 V commands into Modbus communication with EC fans, while retaining the original controller.

• Air Handling Units (AHUs) and multi-bank systems: Independent management of fan groups, including fans using different manufacturer protocols, via a single supervisory interface.

• Fan Grid and Fan Wall systems: Individual fan or group speed control to adapt airflow distribution to equipment requirements.

• Industrial cooling systems: Centralised data collection, fault identification and BMS integration for supervision and maintenance.